applied behaviour analysis
Last reviewed 01/2018
Applied Behaviour Analysis or Behaviour Modification is based on the observation that behaviour is maintained by reinforcing consequences - if these are changed then so will the behaviour. It works with a large variety of problems, both psychiatric and non-psychiatric.
An example of this might include a child who habitually climbs into bed with his parents. Behaviour modification is based on identifying the reinforcing consequences - the attention from the parents - and modifying them. Thus the parents might be instructed to return the child to bed with a standardised, flat, message each time he tries to get into bed with them. At first there is an extinction burst - that is an increase in the undesired behaviour - before the behaviour decreases and ceases. The parents must be warned of this beforehand.